Alright guys I’m about to lay down some truth that is going to blow your minds. Are you ready for it?
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I’m not sure if you guys were aware of this, but one of my BFF’s is Blaike Cook.
I can’t put into words what this girl did for me this past year as my roommate. I could try, but it would probably come across more like a love letter (were obsessed with each other).
Another truth bomb is that Blaike (my bff) works at Kendra Scott. (are any of you shocked???)
I mean come on, you walk in Kendra Scott and it screams Blaike Cook (my bff), you meet Blaike Cook (my bff) and she screams Kendra Scott.
But truthfully, if you really haven’t heard about Kendra Scott, you should. Not only is Kendra Scott jewelry incredibly beautiful and makes you feel like a million bucks without spending a million bucks, her company and heart is incredibly beautiful as well. When Kendra Scott first started her business, she built it on 3 pillars. Family, fashion, and philanthropy.
Like I said. Incredibly. beautiful.
Well, earlier this month I was in Kansas City to celebrate a few friends. There was a 21st birthday, a wedding, and of course, the launch of the Kendra Scott home goods collection (I only know this because of Blaike, my bff). So on the morning of the launch we get ourselves ready and head down to The Plaza with Blaike’s (my bff) family to see all of these beautiful new pieces.
First of all, when we walk in the store and are immediately treated like family and friends by all of Blaike’s (my bff) coworkers. Amongst browsing I continue to fall more in love with every piece of jewelry and everyone one of the woman that work at Kendra. Blaike (my bff) and her mom proceed to pick out a few pieces of jewelry that I drool over, but I just can’t seem to convince myself that I should spend money on something like that when I will be leaving the country in a few weeks. I think Blaike’s (my bff) manager, Taylor notices that I am struggling so she comes over and talks to me. So I tell her about The World Race and some of the things I will be doing this next year (meanwhile Blaike, my bff is listening in and probably crying). Taylor understands, but continues to ask me if I have made a decision throughout our time in the store. Eventually Blaike (my bff) and her mom are ready to check out so we head to the register. Once Blaike (my bff) has bought all of her beautiful new jewelry, Taylor turns and looks at me and asks if I’m made a decision about that necklace I kept looking at. I tell her that I decided against it just because I need to be saving my money to buy some of things that I still need. Taylor proceeds to look me in the eyes (I’m preparing myself for a sales pitch I won’t be able to get out of) and says, “Well we would really love for you to have a little piece of home with you on The World Race and to have something to make you feel pretty on the bad days so we are going to gift this necklace to you.” First I was speechless and then I started bawling. I blubbered out a hug and a “thank you” and then she thanked me for the work that I will be doing this next year. I was completely blown away, immediately called my mom (who also cried), and we both swore to never wear any jewelry other than Kendra Scott again. And of course Blaike (my bff), knew about this but she still cried too.
The necklace.
So, I may not wear my Kendra Scott necklace every single day on The World Race, but I will be taking it with me. It may be a little cheesy, but I’m 100% sure that there will be moments this next year where I will want all the cheese I can get. This tangible gift has made me so aware of all of the intangible gifts I have been given thus far. Through support raising I have been blessed beyond imagination with money donations and prayer. God placed the perfect people in my life and the perfect circumstances to occur just for this very moment and all of the moments I will experience this next year. Since training camp God has been showing up in my life in incredible ways. This has been one of the hardest and most healing seasons of my life thus far and I am positive that it will continue to be. I am scared out of my mind, but I am also excited. And I think it’s healthy to be both.
Love,
Hannah
